Purdue Fort Wayne Drops Baseball, Softball Amid Cuts

Purdue University Fort Wayne has discontinued its NCAA Division I baseball and softball programs effective immediately as part of $6 million in budget cuts. The move, which will save about $1 million, affects 56 athletes and three full-time coaches. University officials cited financial pressures, including declining state and federal support and uncertain enrollment trends, as well as changes in the NCAA landscape. All scholarships will be honored, and affected athletes will receive mental health resources and transfer assistance, with immediate eligibility at other schools. The Mastodons will continue to compete in 14 Division I sports as members of the Horizon League and Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Purdue Fort Wayne joins other universities, such as Stephen F. Austin and Eastern Illinois, that have also cut athletic programs due to similar financial challenges.